If you already run a company outside the UAE and want to operate in Dubai without setting up an entirely new legal entity, a branch office is usually the right route. A branch office lets your parent company carry out business activities in Dubai under its existing name, ownership, and structure it's not a separate company, it's an extension of the one you already have.

PROBIZ handles branch office registration in Dubai for foreign and UAE-based parent companies, managing the licensing, documentation, and approvals so your branch is up and running without unnecessary delays.

What Is a Branch Office?

A branch office is a registered extension of a parent company, allowed to conduct the same business activities as the parent in Dubai. Unlike setting up a new mainland or free zone company, a branch office doesn't create a separate legal entity the parent company remains fully liable for the branch's operations, and profits are typically repatriated back to the parent rather than treated as a standalone business.

This makes it a common choice for established companies expanding into Dubai who want to extend their existing brand and operations rather than build a new one from scratch.

Who Should Consider a Branch Office in Dubai?

• Foreign companies expanding into the UAE market without forming a new local entity
• UAE-based companies looking to open a second location in Dubai under the same legal structure
• Businesses that want to carry out the exact same activities as their parent company, with no changes to structure or ownership
• Companies that need a Dubai presence for contracts, client relationships, or local operations without restructuring ownership

A branch office isn't the right fit for everyone if you're planning to bring in local partners, raise capital independently, or operate under a different business activity than your parent company, a new mainland or free zone company is usually a better structure. PROBIZ can help you confirm which route fits your situation.

Requirements for Setting Up a Branch Office in Dubai

• Board resolution from the parent company authorizing the branch office setup
• Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company (attested)
• Certificate of incorporation of the parent company (attested)
• Audited financial statements of the parent company (for certain activities)
• Appointment of a local service agent (for mainland branch offices)
• Trade name reservation and initial approval
• Office space (physical premises or approved facility, depending on jurisdiction)

Requirements vary depending on where your parent company is registered and which authority is issuing the branch license. PROBIZ confirms exactly what applies to your specific case before you start collecting documents.

Our Branch Office Setup Process — Step by Step

1. Activity and structure review — we confirm your parent company's activity matches what's permitted for a branch office in Dubai, and identify the right licensing authority
2. Document preparation & attestation — board resolutions, MOA, and certificates of incorporation are prepared and attested as required
3. Trade name reservation & initial approval — we reserve your branch's trade name and secure initial approval to proceed
4. Local service agent appointment — for mainland branch offices, we help you appoint and formalize a local service agent
5. License issuance — once all approvals are complete, your branch office license is issued and you're ready to operate

Branch Office Setup Cost in Dubai

Costs depend on your parent company's activity, the licensing authority involved, document attestation requirements, and whether a local service agent is needed. PROBIZ provides a transparent, itemized quote before you commit, so there are no surprises partway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a branch office and a new company in Dubai?

A branch office is an extension of your existing parent company same name, same ownership, same activities, with the parent remaining legally liable. A new company (mainland or free zone) is a separate legal entity with its own structure, which gives more flexibility but means starting from scratch rather than extending what you already have.

Can a branch office in Dubai carry out different activities than the parent company?

No. A branch office is generally restricted to the same business activities as its parent company. If you want to operate in a different activity, you'd need to register a new company instead.

Do I need a local service agent for a branch office in Dubai?

For mainland branch offices, yes — a local service agent is typically required to help liaise with government authorities, though they don't hold ownership or operational control over the branch.

Is the parent company liable for the branch office's activities?

Yes. Since a branch office isn't a separate legal entity, the parent company carries full legal and financial responsibility for what the branch does in Dubai.

How long does it take to set up a branch office in Dubai?

Timelines depend on document attestation, the parent company's home jurisdiction, and the licensing authority PROBIZ can give a realistic estimate once we understand your specific setup.

Can profits from a branch office be sent back to the parent company?

Yes, branch offices typically repatriate profits back to the parent company rather than operating as an independently profitable entity in their own right.

Does a branch office need its own office space in Dubai?

Yes, most branch office licenses require physical premises or an approved facility, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.

Can a UAE-based company open a branch office in Dubai?

Yes. Branch offices aren't limited to foreign companies a UAE-registered company can also open a branch in Dubai to expand its presence under the same legal structure.